Pn-pt 1000-1800 sob 1000

HAM09T – THE DUTCH AND Hamburg

Duration: approx. 6 hours

While this tour could safely be called “The Dutch Connection”, you do not have to be Dutch to enjoy discovering the many ways in which Hamburg is linked to Holland. The city’s close historical ties to wealthy Dutch merchants are still visible today, from the fine architecture to the unique regional dialect. An expert in local history will remain on hand to provide information on the rich legacy left by Dutch architects, agricultural experts, political immigrants and religious pioneers. An orientational tour of the city’s main Dutch-themed highlights will be followed by a visit to the Hamburg Museum to see artefacts that illustrate the many abiding cultural links enjoyed by towns of the Hanseatic League, a former north European network of merchant towns. Next up are the windmills at “Elbmarschen”, which stand on ground once reclaimed by Dutch engineers. The last stop will be at the beautiful Speicherstadt warehouse complex in the city centre, whose 19^th-century construction was designed and overseen by Dutch architects. Your guide will explain the architectural principles of the buildings, which include a system of temperature control that still works today. Your return to the ship marks the end of the tour.

Please note: available only for guests in transit in the port of Hamburg.
HAM10T – HAMBURG AND MINIATUR WUNDERLAND

Duration: approx. 4 hours

Get to know the vibrant city of Hamburg on this entertaining tour, which begins with a short sightseeing leg of the key attractions such as the artificially created Alster Lakes in downtown Hamburg and the city’s exclusive residential areas, the Jungfernstieg boulevard flanking the southern banks of the inner Alster Lake with its luxury retailers and shopping malls as well as the Renaissance-style city hall. Then it’s on to the wonderful “Miniatur Wunderland”, the world’s largest permanent model railway exhibition that covers an area of 1,300 square metres. Impressive in scale, meticulously and finely detailed, replete with humorous little scenes and sometimes even a little whimsical, this is the pinnacle of model building and huge fun to explore. The exhibition includes various multimedia presentations that will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about model railways. Look forward to an almost round-the-world trip as you make your way from Scandinavia to America on an effortless journey that will take you from coastal regions, through flat land right up to the high mountains – and this miniature world continues to grow year on year. The Wunderland experience makes a perfect outing for the whole family. A second sightseeing leg of lovely Hamburg will then follow, after which you will return to the pier and your ship.

Please note: available only for guests in transit in the port of Hamburg.
HELIGOLAND (Germany)
Unlike Germany’s other North Sea islands, Heligoland and its tiny neighbouring isle, Düne, are situated some way out to sea and spent periods in both Danish and British possession. An almost total absence of motorised traffic make the island a popular destination for day-trippers and hikers due to its beautiful, unspoiled landscape and coastline.
HGL01 – Island Walking Tour

Duration: approx. 2 hours

As Germany’s only permanently inhabited North Sea island, Heligoland rises out of the water as a mass of red sandstone that provides a habitat for a unique flora and fauna. Famed for its mild climate, this lovely little island is ideal to explore on foot. Starting in the little lanes of the so-called Lower Land along with its typical lobster booths, art galleries and antiques’ stores, the tour then proceeds to the so-called Upper Land for a brief stop at the “Lummenfelsen” (Birds’ Rock), located about 70 metres above sea level. The Rock is named after the thousands of birds that come to nest here every year. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the local flora and fauna, and show you the area in which the birds breed.

Please note : guides available only in German. Guests have to walk 1.5 km on uneven terrain with some steps; this tour is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.
HGL02 – Historic Bunker Tour

Duration: approx. 1.5 hours

Due to its ideal strategic North Sea location, the island of Heligoland was developed as a sea fortification during the 19^th and 20^th centuries. As part of these activities, a bunker was created for the purpose of accommodating 3,500 people during WWII. After the war, the British used the island as a detonation site for seized ammunition. The 6,700 tonnes of explosives detonated by the British in 1947 – known as the “Big Bang” – has gone down in history as the biggest non-nuclear explosion ever. It also changed the topology of the island and created the so-called Middle Land. The remaining parts of the bunker are open to the public today. Its history is brought to life with illustrations, pictures and stories.

Please note : guides available only in German. Comfortable, sturdy shoes and warm clothes are recommended as there are 180 steps to get in and out of the bunker and temperature inside the bunker is constantly between 12-14°C. This tour is not suitable for guests who have walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.

HGL03 – Düne: HelIgoland’s Kid Sister

Duration: approx. 2 hours

As Heligoland’s “kid sister”, the tiny island of Düne – once joined to Heligoland until a storm separated the two in 1721 – is also called the “Jewel of Heligoland” due to its beautiful sandy beaches and lovely landscape. The island is also home to grey seals that bask in the sun and can be observed at quite close quarters. After the brief 1-km boat transfer, you will continue on a guided nature walk to explore the island. A knowledgeable guide will explain the flora and fauna to you and of course you will visit the grey seals. Have your camera ready to capture photos of these gorgeous creatures as they enjoy the sun. Another tour highlight will be a visit to the “Cemetery of the Nameless” – the resting place of all dead bodies that have been washed ashore over the centuries.

Please note : guides available only in German. This tour is not suitable for guests who have walking difficulties or using a wheelchair.
HELLESYLT (Norway)
Hellesylt is a beautiful tiny ferry port and old Viking town on the magnificent Geirangerfjord. Use this UNESCO World Heritage Site as a base from which to explore nearby Geiranger and to go walking amid Norway’s magnificent mountain scenery.
HEL01 - TRANSFER FROM HELLESYLT TO GEIRANGER

Duration: full day, lunch included

Spend a day off the ship to explore and enjoy Norway’s spectacular natural scenery on this coach-based tour. On leaving the port in Hellesylt, the first leg of the tour will take you to Hornindal Lake, the deepest lake in Europe at 514 metres and a place of outstanding natural beauty. Next up is the little village of Stryn, which sits pretty on the banks of Nordfjord, after which the route will take you over the Stryn mountains, passing waterfalls and lakes as you climb to an elevation of 1,500 metres above mean sea level to reach Mount Dalsnibba. This is a great spot for taking photos as it affords magnificent views over the amazing Geirangerfjord, which stretches along a length of some 15 kilometres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a short stop to savour the moment, you will then begin your descent back to Geiranger with more breathtaking vistas of the valley to enjoy at the famous Flydal viewpoint. This all-day tour includes lunch in a local restaurant and will come to a close with your return to Geiranger and your ship.

Please note: Should snow make it necessary to close the road to Mount Dalsnibba for safety reasons, an alternative programme will be provided to suit the prevailing weather conditions on the day of the tour. This tour is not available on May calls.
HEL02 - TRANSFER FROM HELLESYLT TO BRIKSDAL GLACIER

Duration: full day, lunch included

A day of scenic splendour awaits you on this enjoyable tour, which begins with a drive from Hellesylt through Norway’s verdant valley farmlands, with steep mountains rising to one side and the glittering fjords to the other. Continuing along the shores of the beautiful Lake Olden, you will then reach Briksdal Mountain Lodge, your “base camp” for the subsequent hike. A 1.5-hour walk will then give you plenty of opportunity to get up close and personal with Mother Nature as you head for the spectacular Briksdal Glacier, an arm of the Jostedal Glacier – the largest in the whole of continental Europe. The hearty appetite you will have worked up walking through the fresh mountain air will then be rewarded by an equally hearty and typically Norwegian lunch. Your excursion then continues by coach again, taking you along the Stryn mountain road, the old connection between western and eastern Norway. The route will also take you through a number of tunnels before descending to Geiranger with more lovely views of mountain farms, waterfalls and lakes to enjoy as you go.

Please note: this excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or to elderly people. This tour is not available on May calls.
HELSINKI (Finland)
Helsinki, the ‘white town of the north’ is Finland’s capital city with a large collection of museums, galleries and performance spaces. Helsinki differs from other large historic cities through its leafy parks and exceptionally clear street network.
HSK01 - INTRODUCTION TO HELSINKI

Duration: approx. 3 hours

The excursion is an introduction to the “White Town of the North”, taking in the Market Square, Senate Square, with its monument dedicated to the composer Sibelius, and Mannerheim Street, Helsinki’s main thoroughfare. We will also pass by the Parliament buildings, the National Museum and the Finlandia Hall before continuing to the Olympic Stadium and then to the vessel.

Please note: this tour includes walking on cobbled streets so we recommend to wear comfortable shoes.
HSK02 - HELSINKI BY BIKE

Duration: approx. 3 / 3.5 hours

Why not opt for a different kind of sightseeing tour and join us on circuit of Helsinki by bike ! We will take in the best of this beautiful city, passing the most important sights and enjoying a cycle ride through the city’s leafy parks, past the main museums and along the sea front. Accompanied by a guide, we will make several stops en route, enabling you to learn more about the history and the culture of Helsinki. Pass Mannerheim Street, Helsinki’s main thoroughfare, and a quick tour past the Market Square, the Finlandia Hall and the Olympic Stadium.

Please note: this excursions is not for children under 12 years old and for guests with mobility problems. It is compulsory to use the safety helmet.

HSK03 - SAVIJÄRVI MANOR HOUSE & HELSINKI PANORAMA

Duration: approx. 4 hours

Situated 20 miles outside Helsinki in the Sibo countryside, the Savijärvi Manor House is a 100-year old traditional farm and green oasis. Here you can enjoy a taste of Finnish country life as you enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on the porch. The excursion will continue in Helsinki with a panoramic city tour of the key sights including Mannerheim Street, the Parliament House, the Olympic Stadium and the Market Square. Enjoy a stop at the Senate Square before returning to the pier.

Please note: the feasibility of the cruise will be reconfirmed during your cruise.
HSK04 - HELSINKI BY BOAT

Duration: approx. 2.5 hours

Leaving the vessel you will drive to a leisure boat for a 1-hour cruise around the Helsinki archipelago. Sail around these urban islands; view the waterfront saunas and opulent waterside villas while your guide provides an informative overview of Helsinki history, with refreshments of coffee. We will stop for shopping at an open-air market after the cruise before returning to the vessel.

Please note: this tour is not suitable for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair.
HSK05 - SOUMENLINNA FORTRESS

Duration: approx. 3.5 hours

Soumenlinna is a historic sea fortress, a popular attraction and an island home to a small community of residents. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, this is a unique monument of European military architecture. You can discover this fortress, which was built during the periods of Swedish and Russian rules, from all angles. A private motorcoach will take you from the pier to a boat for a 15-minute sail ride around the fortress during which you can learn about the chequered history of the monument and hear about life on the island today. Back on land you can visit the key sights of the fortress such as the castle courtyard, Piper’s Park and the Dry Dock. You will have free time on the island before returning to the Market Square and have some shopping there. Return to the pier.

Please note: the tour is not suitable for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair as a long period of walking on uneven ground is involved.

HSK07 – THE OLD VILLAGE OF PORVOO & HELSINKI

Duration: approx. 5 hours

Leave the port and head to Porvoo, one of Finland’s six medieval towns and first mentioned in documents that date back to the XIV century. Porvoo is famous for its historic district characterized by historic streets and wooden houses. We will visit the stone and brick Cathedral whose roof was completely destroyed by a fire although the interior has remained largely intact. Enjoy free time for exploring and shopping. The excursion also encompasses a sightseeing tour of Helsinki passing the Parliament buildings, National Museum, Finlandia Hall, Opera House and Olympic Stadium. We will finish the day with a short photo stop in Senate Square.

Please note: the visit to Porvoo Cathedral will be reconfirmed on the day of call. The transfer to Porvoo takes about 1 hour.
HSK08 – MEET SANTA CLAUS IN LAPLAND & HELSINKI PANORAMA

Duration: approx. 5 hours

A treat for the whole family and a chance to bring some early Christmas magic to any passengers travelling with children! Santa Claus is undoubtedly Finland’s most famous resident and this special tour offers a chance to meet him in person. A short coach drive will take you to the Sports Centre Ylläas Haali and suddenly you will experience of being in the North of Finland in “Unique Lapland”. Snowy antics are available in any weather inside this huge sport hall and you will see igloos, ice sculpture and enjoy kick sledges, sliding hills and husky rides. Taste an ice shot (vodka or juice) as you explore this unique venue and look for Santa Claus. On the way back to the port we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Finnish capital, passing by the Olympic Stadium, the main street Mannerheimintie where the Parliament House, the National Museum and the new Opera House and Finlandia Hall are located. You will stop at Sibelius Park to take snapshots of the monument of 527 steel pipes before visiting the unique Temppeliaukio church – the Rock Church – blasted into solid rock.

Please note: guests will be given thermal clothing and boots to visit Unique Lapland as temperature inside the venue is always kept at 3°.
HERAKLION (Krete)
Full of ancient lore and legend, the city of Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete is steeped in history. Crete holds a special place in Greek mythology and was an influential location in the evolution of Hellenic civilization. No trip to Heraklion is complete without visiting the ruins of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, believed to contain the original Labyrinth of the Minotaur and a staggering 3,700 years old.
IRK02 - KNOSSOS PALACE AND SHOPPING

Duration: approx. 4 hours

You don’t need to have an expert’s knowledge of Greek history or Cretan civilizations to appreciate the fabulous Minoan Palace of Knossos. More than just a collection of stones or ruins, the Palace structure is still visible and visitors can wander the maze of rooms. The Palace was reconstructed by a British archaeologist, Arthur Evans, who led the excavation of the site in the 1900s. Pictures on the walls help visitors gain a sense of the scale of the Palace – which was originally 20,000 square metres - and an idea of life here during the late Bronze Age. The Palace of Knossos is built on the ruins of a larger Neolithic settlement and of the supposed 1,300 rooms which made up the five-storey Palace, 800 are left today. After the visit we will drive to Heraklion for free time exploring and shopping.

Please note: guests in a foldable wheelchair can take part in the tour but wheelchair access is limited at the site.
IRK03 - EXPLORING CRETE

Duration: approx 4.5 hours

Come and pay homage to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine-making and revelry ! Leave the port and drive southwards through ancient vineyards that have flourished here since the Minoan period, around 1,600 BC. Our first stop will be at a modern winery to see how wine is produced today and to taste the flavoursome, sherry-like Cretan wine. We will continue exploring the island, travelling through Crete’s picturesque villages before taking a break for photographs at Vathypetro. This Minoan country house and archaeological site is one of the oldest farmhouses in Crete. The tour continues through the island’s hilly countryside which is rich in olive groves and vineyards before arriving at the village of Archanes, just 10 km south of Knossos Palace. Enjoy free time in this lovely village which has been named the 2^nd best-restored village in Europe and sample the local food and drink. We will take the scenic route back to the ship via the ruins of the Minoan Palace of Knossos.

IRK05 – FODELE VILLAGE & RETHYMNON TOWN

Duration: 5 hours

Leave the port and drive along the northern coastal road to the charming village of Fodele located in a pretty valley full of orange groves. The village is the birthplace of the famous painter El Greco who was born here in 1541. You can take a short walk through the village before continuing to Rethymnon. With its aristocratic XVI century buildings and fascinating mix of Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains, this town exudes a charming air of faded grandeur. Rethymnon is a mixture of Venetian and Turkish influences and is dominated by a Venetian fortress; you will have time to wander the narrow streets, admire the architecture and browse the local shops.